Two Cuban trained doctors who were on the verge of fulfilling their dreams were tragically lost following car accidents that took their young lives five days apart.
On 2 September a young Dr Victor Mvikeleni Khanyi (28) lost his life in a tragic accident a kilometer away from home in Nongoma where he had gone to visit his family over the weekend. Dr Khanyi worked as an Intern at Newcastle Provincial Hospital where he was left with only two months to complete his internship.
Speaking at the Memorial Service held in Newcastle for Dr Khanyi, MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo said, “The loss of a young and dedicated doctor is not only tragic for the family but a disaster that impacts widely. These young men and women left their families and homes to study in countries thousands of kilometers away so as to come back and serve the poor people of this Province and country. I cannot hide my deep felt loss and I do not even want to imagine the pain the Khanyi family is going through.”
Dr Khanyi was fourth among eight siblings (five boys and three girls) and a mother. His father passed on while he was studying in Cuba and could not share in the joy of seeing his son graduate. He will be buried in his birthplace of Nongoma (eNkunzane) on Sunday, 11 September 2011.
His colleagues could not hold back their tears and described him as a dedicated and hardworking doctor. Dr Madela, a fellow Cuba trained doctor, said, “His passion for medicine, especially Primary Health Care, saw him being involved in community programmes to prevent the onset of disease beyond his working hours. He was an inspiration to us all.”
Five days earlier, on 28 August 2011, yet another Dr Mthokozisi Nxumalo (35) who worked at Charles James Memorial Hospital, in Nquthu, succumbed to a tragic accident and instantly passed away together with his brother and girlfriend. He was also among the Cuba trained doctors from the province. Dr Nxumalo was buried last week.
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
